Aquifer restoration device

ABSTRACT

An aquifer restoration device ( 1 ) having a hollow collection pipe ( 2 ) of a predetermined length ( 21 ) having an open top end ( 12 ) and a bottom end ( 13 ) wherein the collection pipe top end ( 12 ) is located a predetermined distance above a ground surface ( 7 ) and the collection pipe bottom end ( 13 ) is located a predetermined distance below a ground surface ( 7 ), at least one filter ( 20 ) located on the collection pipe top end ( 12 ) and at least one discharge port ( 10 ) located on the collection pipe ( 2 ) below the ground surface ( 7 ). The collection pipe bottom end ( 13 ) is preferably located a predetermined distance above or within an aquifer ( 8 ) located beneath the ground surface ( 7 ). The collection pipe ( 2 ) is in fluid communication with a roof ( 5 ) of a structure ( 6 ) and is located either internally or externally to the structure ( 6 ) so as to collect rainwater ( 9 ) from the roof ( 5 ) and/or gutter(s) ( 4 ) secured to the structure ( 6 ), filter the rainwater ( 9 ) and inject the filtered rainwater ( 9 ) into the aquifer ( 8 ).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to aquifer restoration devices, moreparticularly, an aquifer restoration device that enables one to collectrainwater run-off from the roofs of buildings and other structures andinject the rainwater directly into the underground aquifer.

The majority of coastal communities in the United States, especially inFlorida, are under strict water use restrictions, despite intermittentyears of heavy rainfall. In such coastal communities, saltwaterintrusion has become a problem due to the lack of fresh water in theaquifer. Thus, there exists a great need to replenish the aquifer withfresh water.

During rainfall, ninety percent (90%) of the rainwater runs off of theroofs of structures, such as residential and business structures, intodrainage wells, streams, rivers and ultimately into the ocean, with verylittle of the rainwater entering into the aquifer. Moreover, therainwater that does enter the aquifer is usually polluted with variouschemicals and debris, such as fertilizers and pesticides commonly usedon landscaping and oil and petroleum from cars on the streets.

Although there currently exists methods of adding water back into theaquifer wherein forced injection of treated water is used, suchreclaimed water can only be used for non-potable purposes.

Thus, a need exists for an aquifer restoration device and method thatpermits a user to collect rainwater from the roofs of buildings andother structures in an environmentally-friendly, efficient manner andinject the water into the aquifer may ultimately be used for potablepurposes.

The relevant prior art includes the following references:

U.S. Pat. No. Issue/ (U.S. unless stated otherwise) Inventor PublicationDate 7,025,076 Zimmerman, Jr. et al. Apr. 11, 2006 6,357,183 Smith Mar.19, 2002 5,810,510 Urriola Sep. 22, 1998 5,259,166 Carey, II et al. Nov.09, 1993 5,249,885 Florence Oct. 05, 1993 4,934,404 DeStafano Jun. 19,1990 4,627,495 Harris et al. Dec. 09, 1986 3,750,886 Salm Aug. 07, 1973

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the present invention is to provide an aquiferrestoration device and method that permits the injection of waterdirectly into an aquifer wherein the water may ultimately be used forpotable purposes.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an aquiferrestoration device and method that is environmentally-friendly.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an aquiferrestoration device and method that is easy to use.

An even further object of the present invention is to provide an aquiferrestoration device that can be incorporated into a building structure.

An even further object of the present invention is to provide an aquiferrestoration device that may be installed without causing invasive andtraumatic destruction to existing landscaping and property as istypically caused when installing large underground tanks.

The present invention fulfills the above and other objects by providingan aquifer restoration device having a hollow collection pipe of apredetermined length having an open top end and a bottom end wherein thecollection pipe top end is located a predetermined distance above aground surface and the collection pipe bottom end is located apredetermined distance below a ground surface, at least one filterlocated on the collection pipe top end and at least one discharge portlocated on said collection pipe below the ground surface. The collectionpipe bottom end is preferably located a predetermined distance above orwithin an aquifer located beneath the ground surface. The collectionpipe can be separate and located adjacent to a roof of a structure orincorporated into a structure, either internal to the structure orexternal to the structure, so as to collect rainwater from the roofand/or gutter(s) secured to the structure, filter the rainwater andinject the filtered rainwater into the aquifer.

The aquifer restoration device may also include a transition pipeconnected to the collection pipe wherein the collection pipe permitsusage of a plurality of aquifer replenishment pipes to be used. Ratherthan having the collection pipe inserted into the ground surface, theaquifer replenishment pipes may be inserted into the ground surfacewherein the top end of the aquifer replenishment device is located apredetermined distance above a ground surface and the bottom end of theaquifer replenishment device is located a predetermined distance aboveor within an aquifer located beneath a ground surface. Thus, therainwater is deposited into the collection pipe and injected into theaquifer replenishment pipes via the transition pipe. The collectionpipe, transition pipe and/or aquifer replenishment pipes may containfilters thereon to filter the rainwater runoff prior to injecting therainwater into the aquifer.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention should become even more readily apparent to those skilled inthe art upon a reading of the following detailed description inconjunction with the drawings wherein there is shown and describedillustrative embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed description, reference will be made to theattached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side plan view of the aquifer restoration device having aside discharge port of the present invention in use;

FIG. 2 is a side plan view of the aquifer restoration device having aplurality of aquifer replenishment pipes of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side plan view of the aquifer restoration device having abottom discharge port of the present invention in use;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a collection pipe of the aquifer restorationdevice of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a collection pipe of the aquifer restorationdevice of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a top view of a filter of the aquifer restoration device ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a transition pipe of the aquifer restorationdevice of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a top view of an aquifer replenishment pipe of the aquiferrestoration device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of an aquifer replenishment pipe of the aquiferrestoration device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 is a top view of a collection pipe of the aquifer restorationdevice of FIG. 3;

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of a collection pipe of the aquifer restorationdevice of FIG. 3;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view along line 12-12 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a side plan view of an aquifer restoration device of thepresent invention wherein the aquifer restoration device includes abuilt-in roof structure;

FIG. 14 is a side plan view of an aquifer restoration device of thepresent invention wherein the aquifer restoration device is locatedinternal to a structure; and

FIG. 15 is a side plan view of an aquifer restoration device of thepresent invention wherein the aquifer restoration device is built into acorner of a structure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of describing the preferred embodiment, the terminologyused in reference to the numbered components in the drawings is asfollows:

-   1. aquifer restoration device, generally-   2. collection pipe-   3. screen material-   4. gutter-   5. roof-   6. structure-   7. ground surface-   8. aquifer-   9. rainwater-   10. discharge port-   11. collection pipe opening-   12. collection pipe top end-   13. collection pipe bottom end-   14. aquifer replenishment pipe-   15. transition pipe-   16. bracket-   17. transition pipe discharge extension-   18. column-   19. cloth material-   20. filter-   21. length-   22. securing means-   23. aquifer replenishment pipe top end-   24. aquifer replenishment pipe bottom end-   25. structure corner

With reference to FIG. 1, a side plan view of the aquifer restorationdevice having a side discharge port of the present invention in use. Theaquifer restoration device, generally 1, includes a collection pipe 2having a predetermined length 21 located adjacent to a roof 5 of astructure 6, which may be a house, apartment, condominium, officebuilding, pavilion or any other structure or building wherein a roof 5is used. In the alternative, if the structure 6 includes the use of atleast one gutter 4, the aquifer restoration device 1 may be locatedadjacent to the gutter(s) 4. The collection pipe 2 is hollow and has acollection pipe top end 12 and an opposing collection pipe bottom end13. The collection pipe 2 is positioned and secured into a groundsurface 7 adjacent to the structure 6 wherein the collection pipe topend 12 is located a predetermined distance above the ground surface 7and the collection pipe bottom end 13 is located a predetermineddistance below the ground surface 7. At least one securing means 22,which may be brackets 16, clamps or other securing means, may be used tosecure the collection pipe 2 to the structure 6, thereby providingadditional securement and support of the collection pipe 2. Preferably,the collection pipe bottom end 13 is located a predetermined distanceabove or within an aquifer 8 located beneath the ground surface 7.Located on the collection pipe top end 12 is a collection pipe opening11 to permit rainwater 9 to enter the collection pipe 2. A filter 20,which may be a screen material 3, is located across the collection pipeopening 11 so as to filter leaves, dirt and other debris from therainwater 9 runoff from the roof 5 and/or gutter(s) 4 prior to injectingthe rainwater 9 into the collection pipe 2. The filter 20 may extend apredetermined determined distance above the collection pipe 2 as shownin FIG. 1 or may be located withing the collection pipe 2 as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3. The rainwater 9 travels through the hollow collectionpipe 2 and ultimately is injected into the aquifer 8 via a dischargeport 10 located on the collection pipe 2. The discharge port 2 may belocated on a side of the collection pipe 2 near the collection pipebottom end 13 as shown in FIG. 1 or on the collection pipe bottom end 13as shown in FIG. 3.

In FIG. 2, a side plan view of the aquifer restoration device having aplurality of aquifer replenishment pipes of the present invention isshown. Similar to the aquifer restoration device 1 shown in FIG. 1, theaquifer restoration device 1 includes a collection pipe 2 having acollection pipe opening 11 wherein the collection pipe opening 11 islocated adjacent to the roof 5 and/or gutter(s) of a structure 6 whereinthe collection pipe top end 12 extends a predetermined distance above aground surface 7. However, rather than the collection pipe bottom end 13being located a predetermined distance below the ground surface 7, atleast one transition pipe 15 is fluidly connected to the collection pipebottom end 13 above the ground surface 7 to redirect the flow of therainwater 9 into at least one aquifer replenishment pipe 14. The atleast one transition pipe 14 has at least one discharge port 10 for thedischarge of the redirected rainwater 9. An optional transition pipedischarge extension 17 may be located on the at least one transitionpipe 14 around the discharge port 10 to assist in controlling the flowof the rainwater 9 into the aquifer replenishment pipes 14.

An aquifer replenishment pipe 14 is located beneath each discharge port10 located on the transition pipe 15. Each aquifer replenishment pipe 14has an open top end 23, preferably located a predetermined distanceabove a ground surface 7 but located beneath each transition pipe 15discharge port 10, to collect rainwater 9 emptied from the transitionpipe 15, and an opposing aquifer replenishment pipe bottom end 24located beneath the ground surface 7 and a predetermined distance aboveor within an aquifer 8. At least one discharge port 10 is located oneach aquifer replenishment pipe 14 to permit the rainwater 9 to exit thetransition pipes 14 and enter the aquifer 8. Filters 20 may be locatedon the discharge ports 10 of the transition pipes 14, on the aquiferreplacement pipe top ends 23 and/or on the aquifer replacement pipebottom ends 24. The use of the aquifer replenishment pipes 14 are idealfor structures 6 large in size.

In FIG. 3, a side plan view of the aquifer restoration device having abottom discharge port of the present invention in use is shown. Ratherthan the structure 6 being a house, condominium, apartment complex orcommercial office structure wherein walls are used, FIG. 3 shows thestructure 6 in the form of a pavilion, which are commonly found inparks, on playgrounds, on school property, etc., without the inclusionof at least one gutter. As shown, the roof 5 is supported by columns 18.However, so long as a roof 5 is used, the aquifer restoration device 1of the present invention may be used. As shown, the hollow collectionpipe 2 extends a predetermined distance above the ground surface 7 and apredetermined distance below the ground surface 7 wherein the collectionpipe bottom end 13 includes a discharge port 10 located thereon.

Next, FIGS. 4 and 5 show varying views of a collection pipe of theaquifer restoration device of FIG. 1. The collection pipe 2 may be ofany size or shape, but is preferably round in cross-section. The filter20 may be a screen material 3. The collection pipe bottom end 13 isshown as being solid as the discharge port 10 is located on the side ofthe collection pipe 2.

With reference to FIG. 6, a top view of a filter of the aquiferrestoration device of FIG. 2 is shown. The filter 20, which may be ascreen material 3, may be internally located within the collection pipe2, as opposed to being external to the collection pipe 2 as shown inFIG. 1. In addition, the collection pipe opening 11 may be square, roundor any other shape and may be in a variety of sizes.

FIG. 7 shows a bottom view of a transition pipe of the aquiferrestoration device of FIG. 2. The transition pipe 15 preferably includesa plurality of discharge ports 10. A filter 20, which may be a screenmaterial 3 preferably covers each discharge port 10 to further filterthe rainwater 9 from debris. A transition pipe discharge extension 17may be located between the transition pipe 15 and the discharge port 10to assist in directing the flow of the rainwater 9 from the transitionpipe 15 discharge port 10 into the aquifer replenishment pipe 14.

With respect to FIGS. 8 and 9, varying views of an aquifer replenishmentpipe of the aquifer restoration device of FIG. 2 are shown. The aquiferreplenishment pipe top end 23 preferably includes a filter 20, which maybe a screen material 3, to filter debris from the rainwater 9. Theaquifer replenishment pipe bottom end 24 also preferably includes afilter 20; however, the filter 20 located on the aquifer replenishmentpipe bottom end 24 may be a cloth material 19 to further remove finerdebris from the rainwater 9.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show varying views of a collection pipe of the aquiferrestoration device of FIG. 3. The collection pipe top end 12 preferablyincludes a filter 20, which may be a screen material 3, extending acrossthe collection pipe opening 11 so as to filter debris from the rainwater9. The collection pipe bottom end 13 may also include a filter 20, whichmay be a cloth material 19, extending across the discharge port 10 tofurther filter the rainwater 9.

FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view along line 12-12 of FIG. 1.regardless of the shape of the collection pipe 2, the collection pipe 2used in the aquifer restoration device 1 is hollow so as to permitrainwater 9 to travel therethrough.

Next, with respect to FIG. 13, a side plan view of an aquiferrestoration device of the present invention wherein the aquiferrestoration device includes a built-in roof structure is shown. Theaquifer restoration device 1 includes a collection pipe 2 that extends apredetermined distance below the ground surface 7 and terminates apredetermined distance above or within an underground aquifer 8. Afilter 20 is preferably located within the collection pipe top end 12;however, the filter 20 may be located on or above the collection pipeopening 11. In FIG. 13, the aquifer restoration device 1 is shown havingthe capability to produce a predetermined amount of shade beneath andaround the collection pipe 2 due to the collection pipe opening 11 beingso large in scale that the collection pipe opening 11 actually forms aroof 5. The roof 5 preferably has the same shape as the collection pipeopening 11 shown in FIG. 10 wherein the roof 5/collection pipe opening11 is slanted so as to route rainwater 9 into the collection pipe topend 12 and ultimately exit through the discharge port 10 for injectioninto the aquifer 8.

Next, FIG. 14 shows a side plan view of an aquifer restoration device ofthe present invention wherein the aquifer restoration device is locatedinternal to a structure. The aquifer restoration device 1 may beinternally located within a structure 6 and in fluid communication withthe roof 5 of the structure 6. The roof 5 is preferably slanted, similarto the slanting of the collection pipe opening shown in FIG. 10, so asto direct rainwater 9 into the collection pipe opening 11, down thecollection pipe 2 for ultimate injection into the underground aquifer 8.Because the aquifer restoration device 1 is located within the structure6, the collection pipe 2 located within the structure 6 will give theappearance of a decorative column or support column; thus, manyindividuals will not recognize the collection pipe 2 to be an aquiferrestoration device 1.

Finally, FIG. 15 shows a side plan view of an aquifer restoration deviceof the present invention wherein the aquifer restoration device is builtinto a corner of a structure. As shown, the aquifer restoration device 1may be built into a structure corner 25 of a structure 6, eitherexternally as shown or internally within the structure 6, wherein theaquifer restoration device 1 is in fluid communication with the roof 5of the structure 6. In this manner, the aquifer restoration device 1gives the appearance of decorative corner columns or decorative supportcolumns on a structure 6.

Although the use of a screen material 3 or cloth material 19 for afilter 20 is shown in the drawings, the use of other materials may beused for filtering purposes. In addition, although polyvinylchloride(PVC) pipes are the preferred pipes to be used for the collection pipe2, transition pipe 15 and aquifer replenishment pipes 14, pipes of anyother material may be used.

Furthermore, any increase in length 21 of the collection pipe 2 used hasa direct correlation with the increase of downward pressure to force therainwater 9 into the aquifer 8.

Finally, the aquifer restoration device 1 of the present invention maybe hidden by trees, shrubs, hedges and other landscaping.

The use of the present invention will enable one to collect rainwaterrun-off from the roofs of buildings and other structures and inject therainwater directly into an underground aquifer.

It is to be understood that while a preferred embodiment of theinvention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific formor arrangement of parts herein described and shown. It will be apparentto those skilled in the art that various changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention and the invention is not beconsidered limited to what is shown and described in the specificationand drawings.

1. An aquifer restoration device for collecting rainwater from a roof ofa structure and injecting said rainwater into an underground aquifer,said device comprising: a hollow collection pipe having an open top endin communication with said roof, said collection pipe having a bottomend; said collection pipe having a predetermined length; said collectionpipe top end is located a predetermined distance above a ground surfaceand said collection pipe bottom end is located a predetermined distancebelow a ground surface; and at least one discharge port located on saidcollection pipe in a position so the rainwater is injected into theunderground aquifer.
 2. The aquifer restoration device of claim 1further comprising: at least one filter located on said collection pipetop end.
 3. The aquifer restoration device of claim 2 wherein: said atleast one filter is a screen material.
 4. The aquifer restoration deviceof claim 2 wherein: said at least one filter is a cloth material.
 5. Theaquifer restoration device of claim 2 further comprising: at least onefilter located on said at least one discharge port.
 6. The floatingaquatic stair stepper of claim 5 wherein: said at least filter is ascreen material.
 7. The aquifer restoration device of claim 5 wherein:said at least one filter is a cloth material.
 8. The aquifer restorationdevice of claim 1 wherein: said at least one discharge port is locatedon said collection pipe bottom end.
 9. The aquifer restoration device ofclaim 8 further comprising: at least one filter located on said at leastone discharge port.
 10. The floating aquatic stair stepper of claim 9wherein: said at least filter is a screen material.
 11. The aquiferrestoration device of claim 9 wherein: said at least one filter is acloth material.
 12. The aquifer restoration device of claim 1 furthercomprising: at least one securing means for securing said collectionpipe to a structure.
 13. The aquifer restoration device of claim 1wherein: said collection pipe is located internal to said structure. 14.The aquifer restoration device of claim 1 wherein: said collection pipeis located external to said structure.
 15. The aquifer restorationdevice of claim 1 wherein: said collection pipe is located in astructure corner of said structure.
 16. An aquifer restoration devicefor collecting rainwater from a roof of a structure and injecting saidrainwater into an underground aquifer, said device comprising: a hollowcollection pipe having an open top end in communication with said roof;said collection pipe having a bottom end; said collection pipe having apredetermined length; said collection pipe top end is located apredetermined distance above a ground surface and said collection pipebottom end is located a predetermined distance above a ground surface;at least one hollow transition pipe fluidly secured to said collectionpipe bottom end; at least one discharge port located on said at leastone transition pipe; at least one aquifer replenishment pipe having anopen top end located beneath said at least one discharge port; said atleast one aquifer replenishment pipe open top end is located apredetermined distance above a ground surface; said at least one aquiferreplenishment pipe having a bottom end; said at least one aquiferreplenishment pipe bottom end is located a predetermined distance belowa ground surface; and at least one discharge port located on said atleast one aquifer replenishment pipe in a position so the rainwater isinjected into the underground aquifer.
 17. The aquifer restorationdevice of claim 16 further comprising: at least one securing means forsecuring said collection pipe to a structure.
 18. The aquiferrestoration device of claim 16 further comprising: at least one filterlocated on said collection pipe top end.
 19. The aquifer restorationdevice of claim 18 wherein: said at least one filter is a screenmaterial.
 20. The aquifer restoration device of claim 18 wherein: saidat least one filter is a cloth material.
 21. The aquifer restorationdevice of claim 16 further comprising: at least one filter located onsaid at least one transition pipe discharge port.
 22. The aquiferrestoration device of claim 21 wherein: said at least one filter locatedon said at least one transition pipe is a screen material.
 23. Theaquifer restoration device of claim 21 wherein: said at least one filterlocated on said at least one transition pipe is a cloth material. 24.The aquifer restoration device of claim 16 further comprising: at leastone filter located on said at least one aquatic replenishment pipe topend.
 25. The aquifer restoration device of claim 24 wherein: said atleast one filter located on said at least one aquatic replenishment pipetop end is a screen material.
 26. The aquifer restoration device ofclaim 24 wherein: said at least one filter located on said at least oneaquatic replenishment pipe top end is a cloth material.
 27. The aquiferrestoration device of claim 16 further comprising: at least one filterlocated on said at least one aquatic replenishment pipe bottom end. 28.The aquifer restoration device of claim 27 wherein: said at least onefilter located on said at least one aquatic replenishment pipe bottomend is a screen material.
 29. The aquifer restoration device of claim 27wherein: said at least one filter located on said at least one aquaticreplenishment pipe bottom end is a cloth material.
 30. The aquiferrestoration device of claim 24 further comprising: at least one filterlocated on said at least one aquatic replenishment pipe bottom end. 31.The aquifer restoration device of claim 16 further comprising: at leastone transition pipe discharge extension located between said at leastone transition pipe and said at least one transition pipe dischargeport.
 32. An aquifer restoration device for collecting rainwater from aroof of a structure and injecting said rainwater into an undergroundaquifer, said device comprising: a hollow collection pipe having an opentop end; said collection pipe having a bottom end; said collection pipehaving a predetermined length; said collection pipe top end is located apredetermined distance above a ground surface and said collection pipebottom end is located a predetermined distance below a ground surface;at least one filter located on said collection pipe top end; said atleast one filter located on said collection pipe top end is a screenmaterial; at least one discharge port located on said collection pipe ina position so the rainwater is injected into the underground aquifer;and at least one filter located on said at least one discharge port. 33.An aquifer restoration device for collecting rainwater from a roof of astructure and injecting said rainwater into an underground aquifer, saiddevice comprising: a hollow collection pipe having an open top end; saidcollection pipe having a bottom end; said collection pipe having apredetermined length; said collection pipe top end is located apredetermined distance above a ground surface and said collection pipebottom end is located a predetermined distance above a ground surface;at least one securing means for securing said collection pipe to astructure; at least one filter located on said collection pipe top end;said at least one filter located on said collection pipe top end is ascreen material; at least one hollow transition pipe fluidly secured tosaid collection pipe bottom end; at least one discharge port located onsaid at least one transition pipe; at least one aquifer replenishmentpipe having an open top end located beneath said at least one dischargeport located on said at least one transition pipe; said at least oneaquifer replenishment pipe open top end is located a predetermineddistance above a ground surface; at least one filter located on said atleast one aquifer replenishment pipe open top end; said at least oneaquifer replenishment pipe having a bottom end; said at least oneaquifer replenishment pipe bottom end is located a predetermineddistance below a ground surface; at least one discharge port located onsaid at least one aquifer replenishment pipe bottom end in a position sothe rainwater is injected into the underground aquifer; and at least onefilter located on said at least one discharge port located on said atleast one aquifer replenishment pipe bottom end.